Dr. O’s Tips: Is corn syrup really the same as regular sugar?

So get rid of them both! Corn syrup is a highly refined sugar, and it is created from corn that has been genetically modified to destroy pests attacking the crops, but technically, it does not contain significantly more fructose that regular white sugar. These sugars feed inflammation and cancer and destabilize blood sugar and hormone balance. Sugar in excess is health-damaging whether it’s from corn syrup, white sugar, agave nectar, or fruit juice. And it is extremely easy to have an excess of sugar in your diet if you’re eating it in any form other than fruit — an average sized adult woman should not have more than 20 grams of sugar per day (5 teaspoons), and a man, not more than 36 grams (9 teaspoons).


Agave nectar, marketed as a healthier choice, actually contains 70-90% fructose, more than high fructose corn syrup, which has about 70%. Raw honey causes a less dramatic spike in blood sugar and has many health-boosting properties, making it the best choice.

Best
Raw honey
Real maple syrup
Molasses
Stevia, if diabetic

Avoid
Agave nectar
Refined sugar
Corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup
Aspartame
Sucralose or Splenda

Yours In Health,

Dr. Erin O’Maley